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Post by billyg on Sept 6, 2016 18:54:14 GMT -7
New member to Z-Talk, as I am suddenly feeling some major G.A.S.
I play in a classic rock cover band so I need to cover a lot of ground (Steely Dan, Allman Bros., Clapton, etc.). One minute I need chimey cleans and the next a searing distorted lead sound. I am NOT looking for MY SOUND - just a great clean pedal platform - sparkling cleans (with maybe just a little hair on it) but must handle dirt pedals well. I have found this a very difficult nut to crack. I am currently playing a modded Fender Vibrolux, replacing the 2x10” with a 1x12”. I want to stay in the 30 - 40 watt range. My main axe is a Suhr Standard (all Korina) with two humbuckers that can be split. When I play on position 2 and 4 (single coils), which I do a lot, I definitely need more oomph from the amp. I do use a volume pedal to help with this.
I have owned a bunch of amps (about 15 - some boutique, some not) and have never really been happy. Vox style amps - love the chime but they tend to get too flubby with dirt pedals. 6L6 amps almost always (except for the Two Rock Studio Pro 35) get too brittle and/or thin to my ear. I’ve always worried that the (2) 6v6 based amps would not have enough clean head room. And, while I am sure there are some Marshall style amps that might do the trick - for the most part you are starting to get into big iron - and I’m not going there. I am really looking for a 1x12” under 45 or 50 lbs.
I have always been impressed with Dr. Z amps, the company and its mojo, but wasn’t sure that there was anything in the line-up that would suit my style. I did play thru a Therapy at a music store about a year ago and really, really liked it. I was sort of hoping that they might come out with a combo version. At first, I looked past the Z-Lux because I really have no need for the tremolo, but for some reason, I gave it another look over the last few weeks. Now, I am thinking that this might be the amp for me!!! It definitely checks all the boxes. Beautiful, full-bodied cleans (that never seem to get brittle - and having just the right amount of compression), 1x12”, not too heavy, perfect wattage and I was shocked (pleasantly) to see how well it took pedals - especially considering how great and complex the cleans are. Also, I like the idea of having a master volume.
Can anyone here relate to my situation?
Confirm or challenge anything I've said above?
Is the Z-Lux the best amp in the Dr. Z line-up for my needs, or are there others I should consider?
I realize I am sort of talking myself into this, but I would still be interested in everyone's input. Thanks
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Sept 6, 2016 19:04:56 GMT -7
Check the Audio and Video sections for quite a lot of clippage. I think the amp can do what you want. Only you will be able to tell for sure - is there a dealer near you? Can you plug into one and give it a whirl? Tell you what though - I've owned quite a large collection of Z amps over the years, and the Z-Lux is "the one." I feel it can do about anything I need. How that translates to what you need is another matter.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Sept 6, 2016 19:42:10 GMT -7
The Z-Lux is kind of the Swiss Army Knife of the Z Line-up. As Steve suggested try one at if you are close to a dealer. If you are anywhere near S.E. Michigan I have one you can play around with for a while - as well as "several" other Zs.
BTW - welcome to the Forum. A lot of great people and information on the site!
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Post by dreamlander on Sept 6, 2016 20:02:46 GMT -7
The Therapy and EZG 50 have worked great for me. I am keeping the EZG because I like the clear sharp sustaining cleans and don't need the gain of the Therapy. The Therapy has a much smoother feel, and can get you to that little bit of hair at any volume with a great master. But if you strictly want a combo it might be the Zlux. I have not had the opportunity to play a Zlux, but I am sure it is sweet.
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Post by redzsrock on Sept 7, 2016 10:49:48 GMT -7
I would also consider the Maz 18 or Maz 38 for your application. Very versatile. Works amazingly well with pedals too.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 7, 2016 11:06:57 GMT -7
Tough call... if you don't need the tremolo and all the on/off foot-switching options of the reverb & trem, then I think the MAZ 38 Senior w/Reverb could be excellent, as well. It sounds gorgeous and has plenty of clean headroom for most people. And I don't see why one couldn't order the MAZ in the new "lightweight" combo cab with a Z-12" speaker, too.
Thinking that this option could save you a bit of money, I just checked the prices at an online dealer and found that it's only a $150 difference between the MAZ 38 reverb combo vs. the Z-Lux. Tough call. I've always like the slight "attitude" and jangly character of the MAZ series, and I can understand your being gun-shy on EL84 amps, but they're pretty big on the low-end. Then again the Z-Lux just has so many options for the price; and, considering that these 2 amps pretty much share the same (or nearly the same?) preamp section... I'm just rambling at this point.
Anyway, welcome to the forum and good luck with your decision--you'll have a FINE piece of equipment whichever Dr. Z direction you go.
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Post by Faze on Sept 7, 2016 12:54:42 GMT -7
My favorite Fender amp has been the Vibro King. I have played them since they came out in the 90s. I bought the Z-Lux based on all the hype and all I can say is it exceeded my expectations. It completely blew away my Vibro Kings I ended up selling them both. I could care less about the tremolo . I never used it on my Vibro Kings either. The Z-Lux is a huge 3D sounding amp that has one of the best reverbs and purest tone I have ever heard and it takes pedals extremely well. However you will find yourself so pleased with the tone of the amp that you won't even want to use pedals. Its really that good. I also have a therapy and it's great as well but I would say based on your post the Z-Lux would make you more then happy it's lightweight and it packs a mean punch. It's the best amp I ever owned.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2016 13:08:09 GMT -7
Z-Lux. I'm about to order a second one--matched set!
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Sept 7, 2016 17:22:00 GMT -7
Z-Lux, hands down. I'm thinking about selling my Therapy because the Z-Lux usually gets the gig.
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Post by billyg on Sept 7, 2016 19:12:27 GMT -7
WOW - What a treasure trove of information. I have learned so much from both your responses and investigating all of the other threads, sound clips and videos. I especially value Randy's input as we are essentially coming from the same place. Thanks Randy. I would love for there to be a Dr. Z amp in my future and as of now I am leaning towards the Z-Lux. Thanks to all - you guys are great!!
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Post by Faze on Sept 8, 2016 8:04:11 GMT -7
WOW - What a treasure trove of information. I have learned so much from both your responses and investigating all of the other threads, sound clips and videos. I especially value Randy's input as we are essentially coming from the same place. Thanks Randy. I would love for there to be a Dr. Z amp in my future and as of now I am leaning towards the Z-Lux. Thanks to all - you guys are great!! Thank you Billy The Z-Lux IMHO will not only give you that custom shop Fender tone but do it even better. The Eq section on the Z-Lux gives you the options of dialing in exactly what you want with no flubbiness. Just a fat tone that stil cuts through the mix. It also has a excellent touch response. You get that big 3D tone and you can also feel the amp with the guitar. You will be blown away when you compare it to your current rig. I actually recently tried a Mesa boogie combo as a back up to my Z-lux and after 1gig I sold it! It just couldn't cut it. No comparison the clean tone sucked on the boogie. I hate to admit it but these handwired Z amps got me spoiled. Keep us posted. Wish you all the best!
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Post by zpilot on Sept 8, 2016 15:04:34 GMT -7
If you aren't absolutely set on buying new then I would seriously consider a JAZ. Basically the same amp as a Z-Lux. It was the forerunner of the Z-Lux and discontinued because of poor sales. Conjecture here on the forum is that that was because of the name. You would be hard pressed to hear any difference I understand. I had a MAZ Sr for about 7 years. It is a GREAT classic rock amp. Z-Lux, MAZ, JAZ.....you should be happy with any of these.
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Post by thatstatuemoved on Sept 9, 2016 9:39:35 GMT -7
The Z-lux is a killer of an amp. If I could have just one Z, it would probably be the one I would own. It has everything I would ever need in an amp--reverb, trem ,boost, half power. Can use for any type of music, as it takes pedals very well. Has plenty of headroom and boy does it sound great.
Also my grab and go amp when I was gigging was my maz 38. This also is a terrific amp and would cover your needs in my opinion. I have mine in a studio cab and I love it. Plenty of headroom, takes pedal well and sounds great. Mine does not have a boost, trem or reverb therefore making my z-lux more versatile, but I can get those sounds with my pedals.
Good advice above--go try one out and see for yourself. I have to say every Z amp I have ever bought, I bought them without ever trying them out first. I have never been disappointed and have had quite a few of the Z lineup through the years. I have a z-28, z-lux and maz 38 and these are keepers for me, but they may not be your cup of tea.
Good luck on your search.
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Post by Rik on Sept 10, 2016 20:35:26 GMT -7
The Z Lux to pedals is like Macaroni and Cheese, it's amazing
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Post by Rockerfeller on Sept 11, 2016 6:24:07 GMT -7
New member to Z-Talk, as I am suddenly feeling some major G.A.S. I play in a classic rock cover band so I need to cover a lot of ground (Steely Dan, Allman Bros., Clapton, etc.). One minute I need chimey cleans and the next a searing distorted lead sound. I am NOT looking for MY SOUND - just a great clean pedal platform - sparkling cleans (with maybe just a little hair on it) but must handle dirt pedals well. I have found this a very difficult nut to crack. I am currently playing a modded Fender Vibrolux, replacing the 2x10” with a 1x12”. I want to stay in the 30 - 40 watt range. My main axe is a Suhr Standard (all Korina) with two humbuckers that can be split. When I play on position 2 and 4 (single coils), which I do a lot, I definitely need more oomph from the amp. I do use a volume pedal to help with this. I play in a classic rock /country cover band (AC/DC to ZZ Top and Alan Jackson - to Zac Brown Band) It is a two guitar band. I use the Z Lux our other guitar player uses a Therapy and they both do the job well. I recently switched over from a Remedy because I wanted more Fendery cleans. The Remedy is a great choice for all the rock stuff and her cleans are great. However, Lux has better cleans, at least the kind of cleans I want for old school country. The Z-Lux takes pedals extremely well, BUT.....I have found that I am using less and less pedals with it. The reverb is outstanding, the boost pedal is freakalicious. It covers everything I need it to cover. Plus, with the 1/2 power switch it makes it small and large stage friendly.
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Post by billyg on Sept 11, 2016 7:38:05 GMT -7
I pulled the trigger on the morning of 9/11. That's a good thing?? Please tell me that's a good omen. Certainly, the Dr. Z family is a bunch of patriots.
I've had a few near misses this past week, but figured the deal I got was more than reasonable. Z-Lux, eBay, $2,049, brand new, red.
This is the first brand new amp I have ever purchased. But, I have really good feelings about this amp - sure would like for it to be "the one."
Anyway, thanks to all of you for your input. I sure do feel like I know a lot more about the Dr. Z line up, and the Z-Lux specifically, because of this forum and your help. I'm psyched!!!
Bill
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Post by DRZ on Sept 11, 2016 9:42:41 GMT -7
Can you tell me what model, and what dealer you 're buying this from?
Z
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Post by meanslide on Sept 11, 2016 12:44:20 GMT -7
Wow, you got a combo for the price of a head? Good score.
It looks like it's from the Amp House in Scottsboro, AL.
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Post by billyg on Sept 11, 2016 13:04:57 GMT -7
After not even thinking about buying or selling a major piece of gear in over two years, I missed out on two really good deals yesterday, so maybe I was due for some luck.
I PM'ed DRZ immediately after his post.
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Post by Faze on Sept 11, 2016 15:35:37 GMT -7
I just gigged mine today at Church I been going back and forth between the Z-Lux and the therapy. Both awesome amps But in all honesty the Z-Lux is in a class of its own. I get so many compliments on my tone. Like Rock said the boost is awesome. I leave my pedal board at home now 99.9 per cent of the time. The tone is that good no need for pedals at all. If you want the Z-lux to sound like the Remedy just get the Ramble Fx marvel drive. It will get you that tone. Thats what I use and it gets that Plexi crunch and grind yet still sounds warm and fat. Great pedal. The remedy was my go to amp for a long time probably my favorite Z amp that I have owned next to the Z-lux. The Z-lux is just a lot more versatile. I think you are going to be really happy Billy. Cant wait to hear your review.
Oh and congratulations! Get ready for something amazing!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2016 18:24:44 GMT -7
Saw that deal on eBay today and was surprised by it; let us know how it plays out.
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Post by justjoshinya on Sept 11, 2016 19:18:08 GMT -7
That's a great price! That's about what I paid slightly used! I really think you'll love the Z-Lux!!! It would have been my last amp, but I stumbled into a great deal on a Z- Wreck!!! What's better than one Z??? 2 of course!! Love them both! I have had quite a few Z's over the last few years... Maz 18 reverb, 18NR, 38 reverb, M12, a couple Carmen Ghia's, Z-28, a stangray, mini z, Monza, and a Galaxie. Out of all of them the only 2 I didn't love was the 18nr which was too bright for me, and the Galaxie didn't care for it not sure why... Just wasn't my thing? The Z-Lux surpassed all of those, and I love it as much as the Wreck! Congrats welcome to the club!!
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Post by billyg on Sept 14, 2016 7:54:38 GMT -7
Joe Walsh
I don't know if any of these pics have been posted - I'm too stupid to figure out how to do it - but if you type "Joe Walsh Tour 2016" into GOOGLE and click on images, there are some great pictures of Joe and his Z-Lux!!!
It is interesting to me that there are at least 3 or 4 different amps in the middle, but the Z-Lux is always there.
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Post by meanslide on Sept 14, 2016 8:54:34 GMT -7
Like this...looks like a the Z-Lux on his right, a Z extension cab on the left and the Z Surgical Steel in the middle. I wonder why he doesn't use a Z cab with the SS? The Fender cab looks like a newer Bass Breaker 2X12.
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Post by billyg on Sept 14, 2016 17:19:24 GMT -7
Well, today was the day!!! I try not to get too excited about NAD because I have been disappointed so many times before. So, I guess if you are having trouble diagnosing a problem, you call in the doctor.
I just spent over one hour A/B-ing my brand new Z-Lux combo with my Vibrolux. I spent about 5 - 10 minutes going straight into the two amps, then with just the Arc Effects Klon clone (new acquisition - very similar to the Archer Ikon), then with my full blown pedal board.
Going straight in, and with a neutral EQ, I immediately found the Z-Lux too bright. No problem - just rolled off the treble a little and it sounded great. (With my full pedalboard, I went back to a more normal EQ. Not sure I understand the physics of it all, but I guess with all the stuff (buffering?) in between, it rolls off the highs a little.)
Within a few minutes I could tell there was something serious going on here. I purchased the Arc Effects clone v2 to add a little sparkle to Vibrolux. It does that, but for some reason doesn't seem to work so well with my other dirt boxes. No so with the Z. The Z-Lux loves pedals. Absolutely screams -- SINGS.
Anyway, I went back and forth at least 20 to 30 times, and in the end, these are my conclusions:
1) It may be a little early to make this statement, but THIS IS THE BEST FREAKING AMP I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!
2) Everything you guys said about this amp sounding BIG and 3D is true. It sounds HUGE (in a good way).
3) If you walked into the room and listened to the Vibrolux, you would say it sounds great. But if you listen to the Z-Lux and then the Vibrolux, the Vibrolux sounds like you threw a blanket over the Z-Lux.
4) With just treble and bass, there is only one way to set up the Vibrolux to play at a given volume. Not so, at all, with the Z-Lux. There were so many way to set this amp -- and they all sounded good. It was truly amazing. I was shocked at how good it sounded on the 20 watt setting. I have owned many amps with 1/2 power switches and the ALL sucked.
5) The EQ on this amp is absolutely amazing. There are almost no bad settings, and yet you can get the desired sounds you are looking for. Brilliant!!
Anyway -- I want to go back and try a few more things (like the Boost) before I get too much wine in me. (A little celebration is in order don't you think?) So far, I could not be happier. It is almost EXACTLY how I envisioned it and hoped it would be. I've never been able to say that before. Again, I would like to thank all of you for helping me make this decision.
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Sept 14, 2016 17:58:55 GMT -7
Glad to see you're enjoying your new amp! 😎
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Post by doctorice on Sept 14, 2016 18:21:47 GMT -7
Excellent report. Nice to have something work out this well, isn't it?
You're probably aware that the Z-Lux front end has some overlap with that of Doc's MAZ series. As a result, the MAZ tone sheet, which you can view or download from the link in my signature below, may give you some additional ideas. (Note: The Cut control is, of course, not found on the Z-Lux, so the correspondence between the amps' possible settings is not one-to-one.)
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Sept 15, 2016 9:47:53 GMT -7
Glad you're finding out exactly what I found...the Z-Lux is without peer. People don't believe it until they hear it for themselves, but it's true. It's incredible, the TONE that this amplifier delivers. Pure, powerful, enveloping, it's like the Z-Lux hugs you when you plug in. Every time. I played it at church last night and the other guitar player can't get over how great it sounds. Get ready to have people compliment you on your tone, because I've never had as many positive remarks about my sound as when I play the Z-Lux.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Sept 15, 2016 21:46:11 GMT -7
Well that's a pretty great report right there. I hate to say we told you so, but we told you so.
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Post by Faze on Sept 15, 2016 22:13:47 GMT -7
So glad you like the Z-Lux. I did the same thing when o got mine going back and forth between the Z-Lux and the Vibro King. Same results. The Z-Lux is a masterpiece. It continues to blow me away every time I gig with it. The Vibro King sounded more compressed compared to the Z-Lux. Thank you for the awesome review.
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